The Breeding Bird Survey 2003

Transcription

1 The Breeding Bird Survey 2003 Report Number 9 by M.J. Raven, D.G. Noble & S.R. Baillie Published by British Trust for Ornithology, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, July 2004 British Trust for Ornithology, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, 2004 BTO Research Report Number 363 ISSN ISBN

2 BREEDING BIRD SURVEY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Breeding Bird Survey partnership comprises: British Trust for Ornithology The Nunnery Thetford Norfolk IP24 2PU Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road Peterborough PE1 1JY Royal Society for the Protection of Birds The Lodge Sandy Bedfordshire SG19 2DL BBS National Organiser: Mike Raven British Trust for Ornithology For further BBS information, visit our web site ( or visit BirdWeb for information about other bird surveys ( or This report is provided free to all BBS fieldworkers and Regional Organisers. Further copies are available from BTO HQ at a cost of 5 (postage and packing included). The ninth annual report for the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) allows us to look at the progress of the scheme over the past nine years, We also present the survey coverage and bird population changes between the two most recent years, Data were collected from 2,254 squares in 2003, representing a massive effort from our volunteer fieldworkers and Regional Organisers (ROs). We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the BBS. The BBS is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), and jointly funded by BTO, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC, on behalf of English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The BBS Steering Group comprises Dr Helen Baker (JNCC), Dr Richard Gregory (RSPB), Dr Stephen Baillie (chair, BTO) and Dr David Noble (BTO). We are grateful to the following people who have provided assistance to the scheme since its inception: Dr Nicholas Aebischer, Dr Mark Avery, Dr Ian Bainbridge, Richard Bashford, George Boobyer, Prof. Steve Buckland, Dr Nick Carter, the late Dr Steve Carter, Dr Humphrey Crick, Anita Donaghy, Dr Iain Downie, Dr Steve Freeman, Dr Colin Galbraith, Dr David Gibbons, Dr John Goss-Custard, Dr Rhys Green, Prof. Jeremy Greenwood, Dr Richard Gregory, James Hall, Dr Andrew Joys, John Marchant, Dr Ian McLean, James Mackinnon, Mike Meharg, Dr Dorian Moss, Dr Stuart Newson, Dr Will Peach, Dr Ken Perry, Angela Rickard, Dr Ken Smith, David Stroud, Dr Derek Thomas, Richard Weyl and Karen Wright. We also acknowledge the support of the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland who generously funded two professional fieldworkers to cover 52 squares in the Province, and the help of staff from the RSPB office in Belfast who organised the fieldwork. Maps of coverage were produced using DMAP, which was written by Dr Alan Morton. The cover photograph of a Tree Sparrow is by Tommy Holden and the BBS logo is by Andy Wilson. Other photographs in this report are by Tommy Holden and Mike Weston. Report production and design are by Angela Rickard. PROFILES Mike Raven is the National Organiser for the BBS and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the scheme, which involves liaison with BTO Regional Organisers and volunteers, promotion of the scheme and providing feedback by giving presentations around the country. Mike was previously responsible for the running of the BTO s Nest Record Scheme. Dr David Noble is the Head of the Census Unit and oversees the running of bird surveys such as the WBS, WBBS and the BBS, as well as associated research on bird populations. Before joining the BTO he worked at Cambridge University on the relationships between cuckoos and their hosts, in the UK and in Africa. Citation: Raven, M.J., Noble, D.G., & Baillie, S.R. (2004). The Breeding Bird Survey BTO Research Report 363. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford.

3 The Breeding Bird Survey 2003 Summary This is the ninth annual report of the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), covering the years 1994 to The primary aim of the survey is to provide population trends for a range of common and widespread birds in the UK. Survey plots are based on 1-km squares of the National Grid. Squares are chosen on the basis of a stratified, random sampling design, with larger numbers of squares selected in regions with more potential volunteers. The aim is to survey the same squares each year. Volunteer observers visit their squares three times a year. The first visit is used to establish a transect route and to record details of land use and habitat type. The second and third visits are early morning counts to survey breeding birds. A line transect method is used, with birds recorded in distance bands. Each survey requires only 5-6 hours fieldwork per year, enabling a large number of people to become involved across the UK. The scheme is administered centrally by BTO headquarters staff and organised by voluntary BTO Regional Organisers, who in most cases are BTO Regional Representatives, with help from the BTO s Welsh and Irish Officers and BTO Scotland. Regional Organisers play a vital role in coordinating and fostering local fieldwork effort. A total of 212 species and subspecies was recorded on 2,254 BBS squares in Population indices are calculated using methods that take regional differences in sampling effort into account. Across the UK, we were able to measure population changes with a medium to high degree of precision for 100 species. The population trends for five gull species (Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Great Black-backed) are no longer reported as a large proportion of the counts are of non-breeding, wintering or migratory birds. Trends for Cormorant, Grey Heron and Common Tern are reported with the caveat that counts may contain a high proportion of birds away from breeding sites, and the trend for Tawny Owl with the caveat that the BBS method monitors nocturnal species poorly. In the UK, 26 species declined and 44 species increased significantly between 1994 and 2003, with only Wood Warbler and Willow Tit decreasing by more than 50%. Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck, Grey Partridge, Curlew, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Tawny Owl, Swift, Sand Martin, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Starling, Siskin and Corn Bunting all showed moderate declines (25-50%). Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Coot, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Goldcrest, Raven and Tree Sparrow all showed increases in excess of 50% (Table 4). Sixteen widespread species monitored by the BBS have been Red-listed on the basis of long-term population trends (see Gregory et al. 2002) and of these, nine species declined significantly on BBS squares between 1994 and 2003 (Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Skylark, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Starling, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting) and three species increased significantly (Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting). Population changes are provided for all four constituent UK countries England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and for each of the nine English Government Office Regions. In England, 24 species declined and 40 species increased significantly between 1994 and Willow Tit and Lesser Redpoll declined by more than 50%, and Great Crested Grebe, Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Sand Martin, Tree Pipit, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Starling and Corn Bunting all showed moderate declines (25-50%). Increases greater than 50% were recorded for Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Buzzard, Coot, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Raven (Table 5). In Scotland, six species declined and 22 species increased significantly between 1994 and Swift declined by more than 50% and Lapwing, Curlew, Hooded Crow and Siskin showed moderate declines (25-50%). Increases greater than 50% were recorded for Grey Heron, Buzzard, House Martin, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Whitethroat, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Rook, Raven, House Sparrow and Goldfinch (Table 6). In Wales, 11 species declined and 18 species increased significantly between 1994 and Starling declined by more than 50% and Mallard, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Coal Tit, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer showed moderate declines (25-50%). Increases greater than 50% were recorded for Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Nuthatch, House Sparrow and Goldfinch (Table 7). In Northern Ireland, no species were recorded as declining significantly whereas, between 1994 and 2003, 14 species increased. Increases greater than 50% were recorded for Wood Pigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Hooded Crow, Starling, Chaffinch and Greenfinch (Table 8). In England, a number of species, showed declines in most of the regions for which population trends could be produced, including Curlew, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Swift, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Starling, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer. Species that showed marked regional differences in population trends included Stock Dove, Swallow, House Martin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Magpie, Rook and Goldfinch.

4 4 Breeding Bird Survey SURVEY NEWS Background The status of wild bird populations is an important indicator of the health of the countryside. The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) was launched in 1994, with the aim of improving the geographical scope of UK bird monitoring by including all habitats and, therefore, more species of breeding birds than had the previous Common Birds Census (CBC). Since the final year of the CBC in 2000, the BBS has become the primary scheme for monitoring the population changes of our common and widespread bird species in the UK. By surveying more than 2,000 sites each year, we are routinely able to generate UK population trends for 100 species, and BBS results are being used increasingly to set conservation priorities by the Government and non-governmental organisations. Methods and organisation The BBS uses a line-transect method in randomly selected 1-km squares. Each surveyor visits their plot twice within the breeding season, undertaking two 1-km transects across their square and recording all birds seen or heard. Birds are recorded in one of three distance bands, or in flight, the former to enable detectability to be assessed and species density calculated. A separate visit is required to record the habitat. Through its careful design, the BBS is able to provide precise population trends for a large proportion of our breeding species. Data from the BBS can also be summarised for individual countries, counties and habitats. Population changes are estimated using a log-linear model with Poisson error terms. For these analyses, we use the higher count from the two visits for each species, first summed over all distance categories and transect sections. Counts are modelled as a function of year and site effects, weighted to account for differences in sampling intensity among regions of the UK, with standard errors adjusted for over-dispersion. Only squares that were counted in at least two years are included in the analyses. Counts for six species of wader (Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Curlew, Redshank and Snipe) have been corrected to exclude counts of non-breeding flocks and, for Golden Plover, observations in unsuitable breeding habitat have also been excluded. Work has recently been undertaken to assess the precision and reliability of BBS trends for all species, with the aim of developing a protocol to ensure that reported trends are based on reliable data and sufficient sample sizes. This has resulted in the population trends of five species of gull (Black-headed, Common, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed) being excluded from the report as a large proportion of the counts are of nonbreeding, wintering or migratory birds. Trends for other species with substantial wintering populations (e.g. Fieldfare) would be excluded for the same reason. Trends for Cormorant, Grey Heron and Common Tern are reported with the caveat that counts may contain a high proportion of birds away from breeding sites, and the trend for Tawny Owl with the caveat that the BBS method monitors nocturnal species poorly. The BBS National Organiser based at BTO HQ is responsible for the overall running of the scheme and acts as the main point of contact for the network of voluntary Regional Organisers (ROs). Each RO is responsible for allocating squares assigned to them from the sampling strategy to BBS observers in their particular region, and for finding new volunteers. They also manage incoming online submissions, and ensure that survey forms are collected and sent to BTO HQ as soon after the field season as possible. Since the success of the survey depends on volunteer surveyors, we are keen to provide them with up-to-date feedback. All BBS observers receive a copy of the annual report and those returning completed sets of forms are acknowledged by BTO HQ. Those with Internet access can also view BBS data and summaries of trends (see Survey coverage To date, we have received 2,254 sets of completed BBS forms for 2003, a considerable increase on the total of 2,149 received for 2002 (Table 1), and coverage is now back to the levels achieved before the Foot & Mouth Disease crisis of 2001 (Figure 1). Only those squares that have been surveyed in two or more years between 1994 and 2003 are included in the results, leading to bird counts from 3,009 sites being included in this analysis. BBS squares are randomly selected by computer, and can therefore turn up on any area of land in the UK. A few squares can never be surveyed and truly uncoverable sites are removed from the system. However, squares that are temporarily inaccessible, or which are not taken up because of their remote location, are retained in order to maintain the integrity of the sampling design, although we recognise that some will seldom be surveyed. No. squares surveyed BBS coverage in the UK Figure 1. BBS coverage in the UK Year England Overall, there was a 5% increase in the number of squares surveyed in England between 2002 and 2003, and this total was only 30 squares short of that achieved in This increase in coverage was recorded in eight of the nine English Government Office Regions. A record number of BBS squares was surveyed in the North East region in 2003, and coverage in the Yorkshire, East

5 Midlands, South East, South West and London regions was back to pre-2001 levels. ROs were particularly successful in a number of BTO regions in England, with record levels of coverage achieved in Berkshire, Cheshire (South), Derbyshire (South), Devon, Durham, Lincolnshire (South), Northumberland, Norfolk (North East), Oxfordshire (South), Somerset and Yorkshire (North West). Good coverage was also achieved in Birmingham, Cheshire (Mid), Cumbria (North), Huntingdonshire, Lancashire (East), Lancashire (North West), London, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire (North), Yorkshire (Harrogate) and Yorkshire (Richmond), with the total number of squares surveyed in 2003 exceeding that of 2002 and Scotland The BBS had a very successful year in Scotland in 2003, with the total number of squares surveyed being 10% higher than that achieved in 2002 and 4% higher than that of Record coverage was achieved in the Fife BTO region, and good coverage was also achieved in Benbecula & The Uists, Central Region, Dumfries and Kincardine, with the total number of squares surveyed in 2003 exceeding that of 2002 and Thanks must be given to the ROs and to staff at BTO Scotland, who have both contributed significantly towards achieving this success. Wales In contrast to England and Scotland, BBS coverage in Wales fell by 5% between 2002 and 2003, although coverage in 2002 was particularly good. However, record levels of coverage were achieved in the Merioneth and Pembroke BTO regions. Northern Ireland A highest-ever total of 105 BBS squares were surveyed in Northern Ireland in Fifty-two squares were surveyed by two professional fieldworkers, funded by the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland. Table 1. A comparison of BBS coverage in 2000, 2002 and The number of squares surveyed in each country and English Government Office Region (GOR). Country/GOR covered covered covered England 1,701 1,589 1,671 Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Isle of Man Channel Isles North West England North East England Yorkshire & the Humber East Midlands East of England West Midlands South East England South West England London Total: 2,256 2,149 2,254 5 SURVEY NEWS Figure 2. The left-hand map shows the distribution of BBS squares covered in 2003 and the right-hand map shows the distribution of squares covered in 2002 but not in 2003 (open symbols) and squares covered in 2003 but not in 2002 (shaded symbols).

6 6 SURVEY RESULTS Survey results Species recorded A total of 212 species, including a number of escapes, subspecies and domestic breeds was recorded on BBS visits in the UK in 2003, exactly the same total as in Of these, 103 species were recorded in 50 or more squares (Table 2) and a further 109 species in fewer than 50 squares (Table 3). The vast majority of the UK s regular breeding species are recorded on BBS squares each year, including a number of species that are becoming increasingly widespread, such as the Red Kite which was recorded on 46 squares (2.1% of the total) in 2003, compared to only nine squares (0.6%) in Likewise, the number of squares in which Ring-necked Parakeet was recorded increased from four (0.3%) to 37 (1.7%), and for Little Egret 1 (0.1%) to 16 (0.7%). A number of winter visitors were recorded on an unusually high number of squares in 2003, including Fieldfare on 77 squares and Redwing on 27 squares. A high proportion of these sites were located in the east and south of the country. A number of less widespread winter visitors were also noted, including Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Scaup and Iceland Gull. The Wood Pigeon continued to be the most abundant species on BBS squares, with 46,681 birds counted in 2003, followed by Starling (32,001), Blackbird (25,543) and Rook (25,542). However, the most widespread species was the Wren, which was recorded on 92% of surveyed squares, closely followed by Blackbird, Chaffinch and Wood Pigeon (all 91%). Impressive totals of 66 species were recorded on single squares in Berkshire and the West Midlands, and these species-abundant sites were closely followed by a square in Lancashire with 65. At the other end of the spectrum, only one species was recorded on an upland square in Tayside. Due credit must be given to observers who survey remote areas, which may hold important populations of a small number of specialist species; it is just as important to know where there are no birds as where there are many. At a county level, 37 species were recorded on average in squares in Berkshire, while an average of only 17 species were found on squares in both Highland Region and the Western Isles of Scotland. United Kingdom Of the 100 species that were recorded on an average of 40 or more squares in the UK between 1994 and 2003 (Table 4), 26 species declined significantly and 44 species increased significantly between 1994 and The trends discussed in Table 2. Species recorded in 50 or more squares across the UK during the 2003 BBS survey. Number of squares is the number of squares a species was recorded in, and % the percentage of squares the species was recorded in. Species in parenthesis are usually recognized as races or forms rather than full species. Species Number of % Species Number of % Species Number of % squares squares squares Little Grebe 58 3% Turtle Dove 158 7% Chiffchaff % Great Crested Grebe 53 2% Cuckoo % Willow Warbler % Cormorant 197 9% Little Owl 99 4% Goldcrest % Grey Heron % Tawny Owl 71 3% Spotted Flycatcher 172 8% Mute Swan % Swift % Long-tailed Tit % Greylag Goose 153 7% Kingfisher 57 3% Marsh Tit 136 6% Canada Goose % Green Woodpecker % Willow Tit 52 2% Shelduck 125 6% Great Spotted Woodpecker % Coal Tit % Mallard % Skylark % Blue Tit % Tufted Duck 111 5% Sand Martin 84 4% Great Tit % Sparrowhawk % Swallow % Nuthatch % Buzzard % House Martin % Treecreeper % Kestrel % Tree Pipit 98 4% Jay % Red Grouse 98 4% Meadow Pipit % Magpie % Red-legged Partridge % Yellow Wagtail 120 5% Jackdaw % Grey Partridge 172 8% Grey Wagtai % Rook % Pheasant % Pied Wagtail % Carrion Crow % Moorhen % Wren % Hooded Crow 143 6% Coot % Dunnock % Raven % Oystercatcher % Robin % Starling % Golden Plover 81 4% Redstart 116 5% House Sparrow % Lapwing % Whinchat 55 2% Tree Sparrow 147 7% Snipe 149 7% Stonechat 149 7% Chaffinch % Curlew % Wheatear % Greenfinch % Redshank 69 3% Blackbird % Goldfinch % Black-headed Gull % Fieldfare 77 3% Siskin 102 5% Common Gull 139 6% Song Thrush % Linnet % Lesser Black-backed Gull % Mistle Thrush % Lesser Redpoll 118 5% Herring Gull % Grasshopper Warbler 55 2% Crossbill 64 3% Great Black-backed Gull 94 4% Sedge Warbler % Bullfinch % Common Tern 50 2% Reed Warbler 90 4% Yellowhammer % Feral Pigeon % Lesser Whitethroat 206 9% Reed Bunting % Stock Dove % Whitethroat % Corn Bunting 120 5% Wood Pigeon % Garden Warbler % Collared Dove % Blackcap %

7 this section are for the period unless otherwise stated. Of 16 species Red-listed in Population Status of Birds in the UK (Gregory et al. 2002), because their UK breeding populations had declined by at least 50% during , and for which we are able to produce population trends, nine declined significantly and three increased significantly between 1994 and Those in decline include familiar farmland specialists such as Skylark (down 14%), Grey Partridge (down 39%), Corn Bunting (down 35%) and Yellowhammer (down 17%). Starling numbers fell further between 2002 and 2003, resulting in a 28% decline over the whole survey period, In contrast, House Sparrow numbers increased between 2002 and 2003, resulting in no significant change over the entire survey period. Similarly, Grasshopper Warbler and Linnet showed no significant changes during , while Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting increased. The changing status of some of our woodland species was again highlighted by the significant decline in Spotted Flycatcher, whose numbers fell by 42% between 1994 and There were also significant declines in Wood Warbler (down 68%) and Pied Flycatcher (down 43%) over the same period, although both results were derived from a rather small number of squares. Populations of Green Woodpecker (up 28%) and Great Spotted Woodpecker (up 85%) continued on their upward trend, and numbers of Song Thrush (up 18%) continue to recover from a long-term decline. A total of 30 species for which we are able to generate population trends, are Amber-listed in Population Status of Birds in the UK. These species are Amber-listed on the basis of one or more criteria, including declines in breeding numbers, declines in breeding range, the UK breeding population forms a large proportion of the European total, or the species has an unfavourable status in Europe. Of twelve species Amber-listed on the basis of moderate (25-49%) declines in the UK during , three increased significantly (House Martin, Grey Wagtail and Dunnock) and five decreased significantly (Lapwing, Cuckoo, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler) on BBS squares during However, the significant increase in Kestrel numbers between 2002 and 2003 means that there was no significant change over the entire survey period. Five species for which BBS trends are produced are Amber-listed on the basis that their UK breeding population forms at least 20% of the European population, and of these, Oystercatcher and Curlew declined significantly and Stock Dove increased significantly between 1994 and Seven species are Amberlisted partly because of their unfavourable status in Europe ( Species of European Concern ) and, of these, only Sand Martin declined significantly, whilst Green Woodpecker, Swallow and Stonechat increased. Most Green List species (all of which show no evidence of long-term decline) continued to fare well, particularly a suite of typical woodland and garden species (Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch and Chaffinch). However, two migrant species (Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler) continued to show declines in numbers. In contrast to the last set of published BBS results, for , there were significant declines in Siskin (down 33%) and Jay (down 11%) during SURVEY RESULTS Table 3. Species recorded on fewer than 50 squares for the whole of the UK during the 2003 survey. Species marked with an asterisk are feral or non-native species in Category E of the British Ornithologists Union British List. Species in parenthesis are usually recognised as races or forms rather than full species. Number of Number of Number of Number of Species squares Species squares Species squares Species squares Red-throated Diver 13 Scaup 2 Little Ringed Plover 13 Long-eared Owl 2 Black-throated Diver 1 Eider 6 Ringed Plover 27 Short-eared Owl 16 Great Northern Diver 1 Goldeneye 4 Grey Plover 1 Nightjar 2 Black-necked Grebe 1 Red-breasted Merganser 12 Knot 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 24 Fulmar 16 Goosander 43 Dunlin 26 Woodlark 14 Manx Shearwater 1 Ruddy Duck 11 Woodcock 11 Rock Pipit 12 Gannet 5 Honey Buzzard 1 Black-tailed Godwit 1 Dipper 48 Shag 5 Red Kite 46 Bar-tailed Godwit 2 Nightingale 19 Little Egret 16 White-tailed Eagle 1 Whimbrel 16 Ring Ouzel 17 Black Swan* 2 Marsh Harrier 18 Greenshank 6 Redwing 27 Whooper Swan 7 Hen Harrier 16 Green Sandpiper 4 Cetti s Warbler 10 Pink-footed Goose 6 Montagu s Harrier 1 Wood Sandpiper 1 Dartford Warbler 6 (Domestic Goose*) 1 Goshawk 13 Common Sandpiper 49 Wood Warbler 33 Barnacle Goose 4 Golden Eagle 4 Arctic Skua 6 Firecrest 3 Brent Goose 2 Osprey 4 Great Skua 10 Pied Flycatcher 31 Egyptian Goose 8 Merlin 14 Mediterranean Gull 3 Bearded Tit 1 Ruddy Shelduck* 1 Hobby 33 (Yellow-legged Gull) 1 Crested Tit 1 Wood Duck* 1 Peregrine 29 Iceland Gull 1 Golden Oriole 1 Mandarin 21 Ptarmigan 1 Kittiwake 1 Chough 10 (Domestic Mallard*) 10 Black Grouse 4 Sandwich Tern 8 (Carrion/Hooded Crow Hybrid) 1 Wigeon 7 Quail 5 Arctic Tern 6 Brambling 6 Gadwall 27 Golden Pheasant 1 Little Tern 1 Twite 19 Teal 37 Peacock* 10 Guillemot 1 Scottish Crossbill 2 Pintail 1 Helmeted Guineafowl* 3 Razorbill 1 Hawfinch 1 Garganey 3 Water Rail 8 Black Guillemot 3 Cirl Bunting 1 Shoveler 14 Corncrake 1 (Rock Dove) 10 Red-crested Pochard 3 Avocet 5 Ring-necked Parakeet 37 Pochard 14 Stone-curlew 2 Barn Owl 38

8 8 SURVEY RESULTS Conventions for the population trends tables (Tables 4 to 9) The figures presented in the trends tables are the percentage changes in population levels for the respective time periods, marked with an asterisk where significant. For the period, the lower and upper 95% confidence limits are given. The sample size indicated is the mean number of squares occupied each year over the survey period (excluding squares where the species was recorded in only one year). Species in bold are Red-listed and those in italics Amber-listed in Population Status of Birds in the UK. Trends for species in parenthesis must be treated with caution, because it is considered that the species is either poorly covered by the BBS method, or a high proportion of the counts were likely to have been made away from breeding sites. Table 4. UK. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 40 or more squares per year for and Change Change Change Change Species Sample lcl ucl Species Sample lcl ucl Little Grebe * Dunnock * Great Crested Grebe * Robin * (Cormorant) Redstart (Grey Heron) * Whinchat Mute Swan Stonechat * Greylag Goose * Wheatear Canada Goose * 136 * Blackbird * Shelduck * Song Thrush * Mallard * Mistle Thrush Tufted Duck * Grasshopper Warbler Sparrowhawk Sedge Warbler * Buzzard * Reed Warbler Kestrel * Lesser Whitethroat * Red Grouse Whitethroat * 9 24 Red-legged Partridge * Garden Warbler * Grey Partridge * Blackcap * Pheasant * 33 * Wood Warbler * Moorhen * Chiffchaff * 46 * Coot * Willow Warbler * Oystercatcher * Goldcrest * Golden Plover Spotted Flycatcher * Lapwing * Pied Flycatcher * Snipe * Long-tailed Tit Curlew * Marsh Tit Redshank Willow Tit * Common Sandpiper Coal Tit * (Common Tern) Blue Tit * 18 * Feral Pigeon * 14 * 3 25 Great Tit * Stock Dove * 2 24 Nuthatch * Wood Pigeon * 8 17 Treecreeper Collared Dove * Jay * -11 * Turtle Dove * Magpie Cuckoo * Jackdaw * Little Owl Rook (Tawny Owl) * Carrion Crow * 3 14 Swift * Hooded Crow Kingfisher Raven * Green Woodpecker * Starling * -28 * Gt Spotted Woodpecker * House Sparrow Skylark * Tree Sparrow * Sand Martin * -46 * Chaffinch * 4 11 Swallow * 2 14 Greenfinch * House Martin * 6 26 Goldfinch * Tree Pipit Siskin * Meadow Pipit Linnet Yellow Wagtail * Lesser Redpoll Grey Wagtail * Bullfinch * Pied Wagtail * Yellowhammer * Dipper Reed Bunting * 2 26 Wren * Corn Bunting *

9 Table 5. ENGLAND. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 30 or more squares per year for and Change Change Change Change Species Sample lcl ucl Species Sample lcl ucl Little Grebe Dunnock * 8 19 Great Crested Grebe * Robin * (Cormorant) * 5 53 Redstart * (Grey Heron) * Whinchat Mute Swan Stonechat * Greylag Goose * Wheatear Canada Goose * 131 * Blackbird * Shelduck Song Thrush * 9 21 Mallard * Mistle Thrush * Tufted Duck * 2 56 Sedge Warbler * Sparrowhawk Reed Warbler Buzzard * Lesser Whitethroat * Kestrel * Whitethroat * 13 * 6 21 Red Grouse Garden Warbler * Red-legged Partridge * Blackcap * Grey Partridge * Chiffchaff * 46 * Pheasant * 41 * Willow Warbler * Moorhen * Goldcrest * Coot * Spotted Flycatcher * Oystercatcher * Long-tailed Tit Lapwing * 5 27 Marsh Tit Snipe * Willow Tit * Curlew * Coal Tit Redshank Blue Tit * 6 15 (Common Tern) Great Tit * Feral Pigeon * Nuthatch * Stock Dove Treecreeper Wood Pigeon * 9 19 Jay * -20 * Collared Dove * Magpie Turtle Dove * Jackdaw * Cuckoo * Rook * Little Owl Carrion Crow * (Tawny Owl) Raven * Swift * Starling * -36 * Kingfisher House Sparrow * Green Woodpecker * Tree Sparrow Gt Spotted Woodpecker * Chaffinch * 9 16 Skylark * Greenfinch * Sand Martin * Goldfinch * 7 25 Swallow Siskin House Martin Linnet * Tree Pipit * Lesser Redpoll * Meadow Pipit Bullfinch * Yellow Wagtail Yellowhammer * Grey Wagtail * Reed Bunting Pied Wagtail * Corn Bunting * Wren * 6 13 COUNTRY SUMMARIES England A total of 186 species was recorded on BBS visits in England in 2003 and, of these, Wood Pigeon and Blackbird were the most widespread, both being recorded on 96% of squares, closely followed by Wren (94%). Of the 93 species that were recorded on an average of 30 or more squares in England (Table 5), 24 species had declined significantly and 40 species had increased significantly between 1994 and For several species that have a mainly English distribution in the UK, the trends for England and the UK are generally similar. However, the population trends for several species in England differed from those for the UK. Oystercatcher and Lapwing both increased significantly in England, whilst declining significantly in the UK. Lesser Redpoll, Tree Pipit, Mistle Thrush, Linnet and House Sparrow declined significantly in England, but showed no significant trend in the UK. Scotland A total of 153 species was recorded on BBS visits in Scotland in 2003 and, of these, the Chaffinch was the most widespread, being recorded on 75% of squares, closely followed by Wren (72%), Meadow Pipit (71%) and Skylark (69%). Of the 52 species that

10 10 Table 6. SCOTLAND. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 30 or more squares per year for and COUNTRY SUMMARIES Change Change Change Change Species Sample lcl ucl Species Sample lcl ucl (Grey Heron) * Blackbird * 1 28 Mallard * 5 73 Song Thrush * 5 52 Buzzard * Mistle Thrush * Kestrel Sedge Warbler Red Grouse Whitethroat * Pheasant Willow Warbler * 9 42 Oystercatcher * Goldcrest * Golden Plover Coal Tit * Lapwing * Blue Tit * 64 * Snipe * Great Tit * Curlew * Magpie * Common Sandpiper Jackdaw Feral Pigeon Rook * Wood Pigeon Carrion Crow Collared Dove Hooded Crow * Cuckoo Raven * Swift * Starling Skylark House Sparrow * Swallow Chaffinch House Martin * Greenfinch Meadow Pipit Goldfinch * Pied Wagtail * Siskin * Wren * Linnet Dunnock * Lesser Redpoll Robin Yellowhammer Wheatear Reed Bunting were recorded on an average of 30 or more squares in Scotland (Table 6), six had declined significantly and 22 had increased significantly between 1994 and For many species, the trends in Scotland were broadly similar to those in England, including significant increases in Buzzard and Raven, and increases in the numbers of small-bodied residents such as Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Blue Tit and Great Tit, still benefiting from the continued run of relatively mild winters. At the other end of the spectrum, numbers of Swift and Curlew declined significantly in both countries. A number of species continued to fare better in Scotland than in other parts of the country. Willow Warbler numbers increased significantly in Scotland during , whereas their counterparts in England and Wales declined. Likewise, Mistle Thrush, Rook and House Sparrow all increased significantly north of the border, whilst showing a downward trend in England. Magpie numbers increased by 59% in Scotland (but note the wide confidence limits of +13% to +124%), whilst in England there was little change. Cuckoo, Skylark, Starling, Lesser Redpoll and Linnet all showed a downward trend in England, whilst appearing to be relatively stable in Scotland. Thirteen species were recorded on squares in Scotland, and hence too few squares for Scottish population trends to be generated. These include three UK Biodiversity Action Plan species (Grey Partridge, Spotted Flycatcher and Bullfinch) as well as Redshank, Tree Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Whinchat, Stonechat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper. Wales A total of 134 species was recorded on BBS visits in Wales in 2003 and of these, the Carrion Crow was the most widespread, being recorded on 93% of squares, closely followed by Wren (92%) and Chaffinch and Blackbird (both 91%). Of the 51 species that were recorded on an average of 30 or more squares in Wales (Table 7), 11 species had declined significantly and 18 had increased significantly between 1994 and The Welsh trends for a number of species followed the UK pattern, with significant declines in Curlew, Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Starling, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer. Starling underwent the greatest decline of any species monitored by the BBS in Wales, with numbers falling by 62% between 1994 and The Welsh trends for a range of typical garden and woodland species matched the UK pattern, with numbers of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Nuthatch all increasing. However, Mallard, Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Chaffinch all showed a significant decline in Wales, whilst increasing in the UK, and the 45% decline in Welsh Tree Pipit numbers contrasted with no significant change seen in the UK overall. The very considerable increase in Welsh House Sparrow numbers (up 85%) also differed from the pattern of little overall change across the UK. Species that showed relatively little change in their numbers in Wales, in contrast to significant increases in the UK, included Buzzard, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove and Jackdaw, whilst numbers of Swifts in Wales showed little change against a backdrop of overall decline in the UK. Nine species not shown in Table 7 were recorded on squares in Wales and hence too few squares for Welsh indices to be generated (Kestrel, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher and Reed Bunting). Northern Ireland A total of 100 species was recorded on BBS visits in Northern Ireland in 2003 and, of these, Wren was the most widespread, being recorded on 96% of squares, followed by Hooded Crow

11 Table 7. WALES. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 30 or more squares per year for and Change Change Change Change Species Sample lcl ucl Species Sample lcl ucl (Grey Heron) * Garden Warbler * Mallard * Blackcap * Buzzard Chiffchaff * Pheasant * 1 60 Willow Warbler * Curlew Goldcrest * Wood Pigeon Long-tailed Tit Collared Dove Coal Tit * -27 * Cuckoo * Blue Tit * 5 35 Swift Great Tit * Green Woodpecker Nuthatch * Great Spotted Woodpecker * Treecreeper Skylark Jay Swallow * Magpie House Martin * 7 93 Jackdaw Tree Pipit * Rook Meadow Pipit * 3 37 Carrion Crow Pied Wagtail Raven * Wren Starling * Dunnock * 7 51 House Sparrow * Robin * 1 23 Chaffinch * Redstart Greenfinch Wheatear Goldfinch * Blackbird * Linnet Song Thrush * Bullfinch * Mistle Thrush Yellowhammer * Whitethroat COUNTRY SUMMARIES Table 8. NORTHERN IRELAND. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 30 or more squares per year for and Change Change Change Change Species Sample lcl ucl Species Sample lcl ucl Wood Pigeon * Coal Tit * Skylark Blue Tit * Swallow Great Tit * Meadow Pipit * 7 80 Magpie Wren * Jackdaw Dunnock * Rook Robin Hooded Crow * Blackbird * Starling * Song Thrush House Sparrow Mistle Thrush Chaffinch * Willow Warbler * 9 99 Greenfinch * Goldcrest * (92%), Chaffinch (90%) and Robin and Blackbird (both 89%). Of the 23 species that were recorded on an average of 30 or more squares in Northern Ireland (Table 8), no species had declined significantly and 14 species increased significantly between 1994 and Because of the relatively small number of squares surveyed in Northern Ireland, we are able to produce population indices for only the most widespread and numerous birds in the Province. Most of the species that are declining in other parts of the UK cannot be monitored by the BBS in Northern Ireland. Several typical garden and woodland species continued to show a strong and significant upward trend, including Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Willow Warbler numbers followed their counterparts in Scotland by increasing significantly (up 47%), contrasting with the significant declines shown in England (down 37%) and Wales (down 34%). Hooded Crow numbers also increased significantly in Northern Ireland (up 139%), although this was in contrast to a decline in Scotland (down 36%). Only House Sparrow (down 31%) showed any evidence of a decline in numbers, although this was not significant. Eleven species were recorded on squares in Northern Ireland and hence too few squares for indices to be produced (Pheasant, Curlew, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting).

12 12 Table 9. ENGLISH GOVERNMENT OFFICE REGIONS. Population changes for species recorded on a mean of 30 or more squares per year for For each region the percentage change is given (marked with an asterisk if significant), and the sample size (in italics). REGIONAL SUMMARIES Species N.West N.East Yorks E.Mids East W.Mids S.East S.West London (Cormorant) 80 * 37 (Grey Heron) * 61 Mute Swan 69 * Canada Goose 211 * * * * 30 Shelduck Mallard 35 * * * * 112 Sparrowhawk Buzzard 74 * * Kestrel 74 * Red-legged Partridge 72 * * * 31 Grey Partridge * 32 Pheasant 104 * * * * * * * 191 Moorhen 40 * * Coot 266 * Oystercatcher Lapwing * * * 83 Curlew -18 * * * 31 Feral pigeon -48 * * Stock Dove 261 * * * * * Wood Pigeon 42 * * * * * * * 51 Collared Dove 59 * * * * * * 33 Turtle Dove -41 * * 57 Cuckoo * * * * * * 89 Swift -29 * * * * Green Woodpecker 116 * * Gt Spotted Woodpecker 105 * * * * * 90 Skylark -34 * * * * * * 173 Swallow * * House Martin 33 * * * * Meadow Pipit Yellow Wagtail -36 * * 49 Pied Wagtail * * * * * Wren 52 * * * * * 46 Dunnock 23 * * * * Robin 43 * * * * * * * * * 47 Wheatear -40 * 33 Blackbird 37 * * * * 133 8* * 140 6* * * 51 Song Thrush 69 * * * * * * * 33 Mistle Thrush 40 * * * * 111 Sedge Warbler Reed Warbler -32 * 34 Lesser Whitethroat -37 * * Whitethroat * Garden Warbler Blackcap 56 * * * * Chiffchaff 124 * * * * * * * 211 Willow Warbler * * * * * * * 142 Goldcrest 76 * * Spotted Flycatcher -39 * 32 Long-tailed Tit * Marsh Tit Coal Tit * Blue Tit 22 * * * * * 50 Great Tit 44 * * * * * 43 Nuthatch 110 * * Treecreeper Jay * * * 78 Magpie * * * * 50 Jackdaw 41 * * * * * * 198 Rook -44 * * * Carrion Crow 43 * * * * * 51 Starling -31 * * * * * * * * 51 House Sparrow * * * 49 Chaffinch 29 * * * * * * * 260 Greenfinch 71 * * * * * * * 33 Goldfinch 58 * * * Linnet * Bullfinch * * 78 Yellowhammer -26 * * * * Reed Bunting Corn Bunting -32 * 42

13 Government Office Regions within England The nine Government Office Regions are as follows: GOR 1 (North West) Cheshire (inc. Wirral), Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside GOR 2 (North East) Cleveland, County Durham and Northumberland GOR 3 (Yorkshire & The Humber) East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire GOR 4 (East Midlands) Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptionshire and Nottinghamshire GOR 5 (East of England) Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk GOR 6 (West Midlands) Birmingham, Hereford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire GOR 7 (South East) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex GOR 8 (South West) Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire GOR 9 London The good coverage achieved in England meant that we were able to generate population trends for many species in the nine English Government Office Regions (Table 9). The nine regions are made up of the groups of counties listed above. Because climate, agriculture and habitats vary throughout England, major regional differences in population trends may point us towards possible reasons for population changes. Coverage varies considerably from one region to another, with the number of squares surveyed being largely dependent upon the number of BBS observers available in that area. As a result of the work done to determine how many occupied squares are needed to generate reliable population trends, we report trends only for species recorded on 30 or more squares. The variation in coverage and regional differences in the distribution of species meant that population trends could be generated for only 16 species in London and 20 species in the North East, compared to 62 species in the South East and 63 species in the East of England. For 71 species, there were records from enough squares for trends to be generated in at least one region, while for 46 species we could produce trends for five or more regions. Photograph by Tommy Holden. Great Spotted Woodpecker numbers have increased significantly in all of the UK countries and regions for which trends can be generated. For some species, the trends in the different regions were very similar. Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Chiffchaff and Greenfinch all showed a significant increase in nearly all of the five or more English regions for which trends could be generated. Skylark declined significantly in six of the eight regions for which a trend could be produced; Cuckoo declined in six out of seven reportable regions, and Starling declined in eight out of nine regions. For a number of species however, distinctly different patterns of population change were seen in the English regions. Blackbird and Song Thrush declined significantly in the London region, whilst showing stability or an increase in numbers in most other regions, although Song Thrush numbers were also down in the East of England. Mistle Thrush showed a downward trend in the South East, South West and East of England regions, whilst increasing in the North West. The situation for Willow Warbler further worsened in England, with significant declines reported in seven of the eight regions for which a trend could be produced, and only in the North West were numbers stable. House Sparrow continued to decline in the South East, East and London regions, but was relatively stable elsewhere in England. For both the Swallow and Goldfinch, the East of England was the only region for which a significant decline was reported. Swift declined significantly for the first time in the survey period in the North West and East Midlands was a good year for Lapwing, which showed a significant increase in the East Midlands and South East for the first time in the survey period. Likewise, Blue Tit increased significantly for the first time in Yorkshire and the South East, as did Chiffchaff in the South East and South West. BBS mammal monitoring in 2003 In 2003, mammal records were received for 86% of surveyed BBS squares (1,928 squares). Table 10 shows the 15 most frequently recorded mammal species in For easily detectable, diurnal species such as Rabbit, Grey Squirrel, Brown Hare and some of the deer, the vast majority of records were for individuals seen and counted during the two Table 10. Occurrence of common mammal species on BBS squares in The figures under the Present column indicate the number of squares each species was recorded in (both present and counted); those under the Seen column, the number of squares in which the species was seen and counted; and individuals, the total number of individuals counted. Mammal species No. squares Individuals Present Seen Rabbit 1,372 1,218 12,542 Grey Squirrel ,333 Red Fox Brown Hare ,132 Mole Roe Deer Feral/Domestic Cat Badger Brown Rat Hedgehog Muntjac Deer Stoat Fallow Deer Weasel Red Deer REGIONAL SUMMARIES

14 14 BBS RESEARCH bird-count visits. However, for other mammals, a large proportion of the records were based on field signs, dead animals and local knowledge of the species presence on that site. These include nocturnal or crepuscular species (seldom seen, but easily detected) such as Mole, Red Fox, Badger, Hedgehog and most of the mustelids. In addition to those listed above, a further 25 mammal species were recorded during the survey, including (number of squares in brackets): Mountain/Irish Hare (64), Mink (29), Otter (28), Red Squirrel (27), Sika Deer (12), Common Shrew (11), Water Vole (10), Field Vole (7), Wood Mouse (6), Pine Marten (5), Chinese Water Deer (4), Bank Vole (4), Pipistrelle Bat sp. (4), Common Seal (3), Feral Goat (3), Grey Seal (2), Orkney Vole (2), Pygmy Shrew (2), Harvest Mouse (2), House Mouse (2), Lesser Whitetoothed Shrew (1), Brown Long-eared Bat (1), Yellow-necked Mouse (1), Wild Cat (1) and Wild Boar (1). Habitat coverage In total, the habitat details for 21,463 transect sections were completed in The habitat breakdown was very similar to that of 2002, with farmland being the most frequently recorded category (54.8% of 200m sections), followed by human sites (16.7%), woodland (12.7%), heathland and bog (5.8%), seminatural grassland (5.1%), scrub (2.4%), water bodies (1.9%), coastal (0.6%) and inland rock (0.3%). This now-substantial set of habitat information will be used to produce habitat-specific population trends this year. These data have already been used to relate spatial variation in abundance to habitat, and estimate species density in different habitats for producing population estimates and other purposes. Recording habitat is a vital part of the BBS and greatly increases the scientific and conservation value of the results. BBS research and development BBS-online BBS-online went live in October 2003, allowing observers to submit their BBS counts electronically via the web. To date, the bird, mammal and habitat data for more than 400 BBS squares have been submitted online for the 2004 field season. All of the historical BBS data ( ), together with the latest counts for 2003 have been loaded onto the system and this now provides the user with a fascinating insight into the birds, mammals and habitat recorded on BBS squares over the past nine years. The website pages provide all visitors to the site with a wealth of information on BBS trends, county and regional species lists, species distribution maps, scheme coverage, methodology and how to take part. Once the BBS observer has registered as an online user, they can enter their BBS counts and view past data Figure 3. BBS observers can view past data for their squares. for their squares. We would strongly urge BBS observers to enter their counts using BBS-online, for not only does the system provide instant feedback to the user, but is also a quick and easy way of submitting their data. Online submission will help to speed up the reporting of the BBS results, further enhancing their value as a conservation tool. However, it must be stressed that BBS-online provides an alternative method of data submission, and the paper forms will continue for those who prefer to use them. Figure 4. Visitors to the BBS web pages can view the distribution maps of more than 100 species. One of the aims of the system is to encourage new volunteers to take part in the BBS, and so it has been very encouraging to see so many enquiries to participate in the scheme since the system went live. Many thanks must be given to the RSPB for generously funding the development of BBS-online, and to members of the BTO s Information Systems Unit, who have developed the system and provide technical support (Iain Downie, Karen Wright, James Hall and James Mackinnon).

15 Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring The Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring (PECBM) project is a collaborative initiative of the European Bird Census Council, RSPB, Birdlife International and Statistics Netherlands, with the participation of national bird monitoring organisations. In its first year, eighteen national scheme organisers, including the BTO, contributed national population indices for 24 farmland and 24 woodland species. National indices were linked to national population sizes and used to generate pan-european wild bird indicators of farmland and woodland. These showed that, since 1980, farmland birds have declined by about 30% overall across Europe (more steeply in western, mainly EU countries than in the eastern, mainly non-eu countries) and that numbers of woodland species have fluctuated but remained (at least among this group of common and widespread woodland species) at approximately 1980 levels. For those who have had the opportunity to go birding in countries such as Slovakia or Hungary, a stark contrast with the UK is clearly evident; large numbers of Tree Sparrow, Corncrake, Red-backed Shrike, Quail and Golden Oriole are typical of farmland in these counties. The PECBM indicators were launched in Berlin in January this year, and some additional European funding was obtained to develop them further. The indicators and European trends for each of the 48 farmland and woodland species are now available at index.php?id=672. (a website managed by the PECBM coordinator, Petr Vorisek, based in Prague). To date, the BTO s contribution to PECBM has been to supply CBC trends, but from next year onwards, trends will be based on combined CBC and BBS data. Figure 6. Combined CBC/BBS index for Dunnock. the impact of year-to-year fluctuations on the overall pattern, and the alerts are calculated to the penultimate year of data collection to reduce the effects of errors at the end of the time series. Because of reduced data collection during the Foot & Mouth Disease epidemic in 2001, the penultimate year used is actually 2000! An important conclusion from the analyses of CBC and BBS datasets is that for some species (e.g. Tree Pipit, Willow Warbler and Kestrel), population trends in southern and eastern Britain differ from those outside this region, and hence CBC and BBS data can only be combined in England. This is why for these species (most having been previously reported with caveats on the CBC trend) the long-term trend is for England only. For species showing little regional variation in population trends (e.g. Wren, Chaffinch) or for species, which occur mainly in southern and eastern Britain (e.g. Turtle Dove, Corn Bunting), a UK long-term trend is presented. This is the first time that these joint trends have been presented, along with the BBS trends for the UK and any constituent countries or Government Office Regions for which there were sufficient data. Importantly, these ensure that the population changes recorded by the CBC over the past 30 years are intrinsically linked to trends based on the BBS and provide much-needed historical context to the current situation. 15 BBS RESEARCH Figure 5. European bird index for Skylark. Updated long-term population trends The Common Birds Census (CBC) was used to monitor a suite of about 70 widespread bird species in the UK from the early 1960s until it ended in 2000 and this role has been taken over, and expanded to about 100 species, by the BBS. Following considerable work on the development of methods to link the historical CBC data to BBS data, the first joint CBC-BBS trends, using data from the BBS from 1994 to 2002, were published on the BTO website ( this spring. As for previously published CBC trends, these are smoothed to reduce Figure 7. Combined CBC/BBS index for Great Spotted Woodpecker.

16 16 BBS RESEARCH Use of BBS data for farmland bird conservation The BBS has taken over from the CBC the role of supplying information on changes in UK terrestrial breeding bird populations, and these data are more important for conservation than ever, particularly on farmland at the moment but in woodland, wetland and upland landscapes in the near future. BBS data are now fully integrated with CBC data in the headline wild bird indicators, and the Farmland Bird Index has been adopted by the government as a Public Service Agreement target, with a promise to reverse declines by Attention has focused on the 12 declining species in the indicator, and because BBS is now the only source of trend data, its annual indices are assessed regularly by a panel of experts looking at the influence of changes in agricultural practices in relation to other factors such as climate. Many farmland species have Biodiversity Action Plans because of their long-term population declines, and progress towards BAP targets at national and local levels is assessed for widespread species using the most recent BBS trends. For rarer species such as Stone Curlew and Cirl Bunting, progress is assessed using the results of special surveys. Photograph by Mike Weston. Skylark numbers declined by 14% in the UK during Data from the BTO s Nest Record Scheme and Constant Effort Sites have been analysed to determine whether reductions in breeding performance or changes in survival over the winter can be linked to population declines in farmland birds. Armed with this information and intensive studies of their ecological requirements, scientists now have a much better idea about the changes in agricultural practices that are needed to reverse declines. The next step is to test management options on the ground and there are a number of broad-scale experiments currently underway. These include studies of the impact of winter food availability on seed-eating farmland birds in East Anglia, the effectiveness of skylark scrapes for nesting in arable crops, and on the provision of field margins in pastoral systems. Early results from these projects, and other research within Europe, were highlighted at a recent BOU Farmland Bird Conference in Leicester attended by academics, farmers, representatives from conservation organisations and those responsible for government agricultural policy. It was clear that one of the most important outcomes of farmland bird monitoring and research over the past few decades is that in January 2005, the government will be launching its new Entry Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme with a wide selection of agri-environment options for farmers. These include familiar options such as set-aside and organic farming, but also a variety of new options based on the results of research aimed at improving biodiversity (not just for birds) in agricultural landscapes. Most importantly, the success of the broad-scale implementation of these options across the UK will be measured by changes in breeding bird populations in BBS squares. BBS data are also being used in a special project (the Farmland Bird Database) to map the distributions of the less widespread species in order to direct agri-environment scheme applications to sites where they are likely to have the most impact on populations. We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this initiative and who continues to supply us with counts from their BBS squares (online or on paper) for monitoring and conservation research. Further reading Crick, H.Q.P., Marchant, J.H., Noble, D.G., Baillie, S.R., Balmer, D.E., Beaven, L.P., Coombes, R.H., Downie, I.S., Freeman, S.N., Joys, A.C., Leech, D.I., Raven, M.J., Robinson, R.A. & Thewlis, R.M. (2004) Breeding Birds in the Wider Countryside: their conservation status BTO Research Report No BTO, Thetford. ( Greenwood, J.J.D., Baillie, S.R., Gregory, R.D., Peach, W.J. & Fuller, R.J. (1995) Some new approaches to conservation monitoring of British breeding birds. Ibis 137: S Gregory, R.D. & Baillie, S.R. (1994) Evaluation of sampling strategies for 1km squares for inclusion in the Breeding Bird Survey. BTO Research Report 139. BTO, Thetford. Gregory, R.D., Eaton, M.A., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Parsons, M., Baker, H., Austin, G. & Hilton, G.M. (2003) The state of the UK s birds RSPB, BTO, WWT and JNCC, Sandy. Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes, J., Procter, D., Gibbons, D.W. & Galbraith, C.A. (2002) The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: an analysis of conservation concern British Birds 95: Raven, M.J., Noble, D.G. & Baillie, S.R. (2003) The Breeding Bird Survey BTO Research Report 334. BTO, Thetford. The future The 2003 fieldwork season was a very successful one for the BBS, with coverage now back to levels achieved before the Foot & Mouth Disease crisis in The outlook for 2004 is very good, with many ROs reporting a higher-than-normal take-up of BBS squares and some requesting additional squares to enable them to provide survey sites to new volunteers. With the help of the web site and BBS-online, it is hoped that coverage will soon return to the peak levels achieved in the late 1990s. It is vitally important that we continue to monitor our sometimes struggling bird populations across a wide variety of habitats and it is only by continuing to survey our BBS squares year after year that we can do this. Good coverage throughout the UK in future seasons will enable us to continue monitoring species that we have looked at over the past nine years, and hopefully expand our knowledge of the differing regional trends within individual species.